Howell-Bunger® Discharge Valves

Flow control and energy dissipation

 Excellence in Engineering
For over 170 years, the engineering team at Rodney Hunt has pioneered safe and
reliable flow control systems in thousands of applications around the world. We
have worked with municipalities, utilities, contractors, consulting engineers, and
plant operators to meet their flow control needs and solve some of their toughest
design, operation, and application problems.

Superior Quality
Rodney Hunt brings exceptional quality to every project with one of the most
flexible and comprehensive metal fabrication, machining, assembly, and testing
operations in North America. This allows us to monitor and ensure quality in all
aspects of production and provide consistent, reliable and superior products. All
processes used by Rodney Hunt are ISO-9001 certified.

Comprehensive Product Offering

Our total product offering is among the most comprehensive in the flow con-
trol industry. From cast and fabricated gates—including Fontaine standard
designs—to custom valves, gates, and actuation options, Rodney Hunt brings
a total solution to your project. Our capability to design, manufacture, and test
large custom valves is unrivaled in the world.

Responsive Service
Rodney Hunt brings not only an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise
to your project, but also a genuine responsiveness to your needs throughout the
design, manufacturing, and installation process. From the factory to the field, we
offer the most experienced and knowledgeable service team in the industry.

On the cover: The 108” Howell-

Bunger® Valve at West Virginia’s
Summersville Dam outlet handles a
full head and discharge jet of over Two 72” Howell-Bunger® Valves with stationary hood of 144” installed in Rur Dam, Germany. Each
6500cfs. valve handles a discharge of 1766cfs
Howell-Bunger® Discharge Valves
Flow control and energy dissipation
Howell-Bunger® Valves were first developed and introduced for dam outlet works service in the early 1930’s by Mr.
C. H. Howell and Mr. Howard P. Bunger, with the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Rodney Hunt acquired the
product line from Allis-Chalmers in 1990 and has continued to develop the design for optimal performance.
Howell-Bunger® valves provide controlled discharge of water while protecting the downstream environment. The
valve breaks up the water into a large, hollow, expanding spray and can be used in most situations, including sub-
merged applications. An additional steel stationary hood concentrates the discharge spray into a “jet” for a more
controlled flow stream. They are ideally suited for low level outlet works for power projects, turbine bypass, gate
surge relief, flood control systems, irrigation facilities, and draining reservoirs or ponds.

Easy, efficient control of

water under free discharge.

Stainless steel slide rails Adjustable sliding caps

for whole stroke

Epoxy-coated Primary metallic seating

Upstream Quad Secondary flexible

O-Ring sealing

Proven Performance Drip-Tight Sealing

Howell-Bunger® Valves are proven performers with over
500 installations in the past 80 years.
Smooth, Vibration Free Operation
Cylindrical sleeve with adjustable sliding caps provide
efficient, free-discharge operation for high and low
heads, operating through the entire stroke range without
vibration or cavitation.
Certified to
ISO 9001:2008
Downstream primary metallic sealing, secondary flexible
sealing, and upstream quad o-ring provide optimal
sealing performance and prevent twist, roll, and point
loading.
Easy to Operate and Maintain
Long guides with adjustable sliding caps provide
smooth, non-binding movement. Sealing can be
replaced without dismantling the valve.
Sizing and Dimensions
The size of the valve is deter-
mined by the maximum avail-
able net head at the valve. Net
head is the distance between
the head water elevation and
the centerline of the valve—
or if the valve is submerged,
the tail water elevation—less
the upstream pipeline head
losses caused by inlet, conduit,
reducer, bend, etc.
The graph on the next page
shows the maximum calcu-
lated discharge for valve sizes
8 to 108 inches, based on net Size (inch) 16 18 20 24 28 30 32
heads up to 500 feet. B 40.94 43.70 443.31 48.82 56.69 57.48 58.27

This graph is based on H 25.08 24.88 26.26 27.83 32.56 33.46 35.71
an average coefficient of L 40.39 43.70 46.85 52.56 58.27 61.02 63.58
discharge of 0.85. Maximum e1 8.66 8.66 8.66 9.84 9.84 11.81 12.99
discharge values for other
Approximate 992 1,190 1,323 2,425 3,086 3,086 3,748
heads can be determined Weight (Lb)
from the formula:
Q = C x √———
2 gH x A Size (inch) 36 40 42 44 48 52 54
where Q = Cubic feet per B 73.23 70.87 76.77 80.31 84.25 92.13 95.67
second (cfs) H 34.53 39.45 41.34 42.60 45.75 45.75 49.21
C = coefficient of
L 68.70 73.62 75.59 78.35 82.68 87.01 87.40
discharge with valve
full open = .85 e1 11.81 11.81 11.81 11.81 9.84 11.81 12.80

g = acceleration due to Approximate 3,638 5,512 5,842 6,173 8,818 10,141 10,362
gravity = 32.174 Weight (Lb)

H = net head in feet

A = area of valve in Size (inch) 56 60 64 72 78
square feet (based B 98.43 94.49 105.12 125.98 126.38
on nominal inside H 53.43 59.21 58.35 62.24 77.44
diameter)
L 87.80 94.49 98.11 104.33 109.69
Using a coefficient of discharge
e1 13.78 10.63 11.81 11.81 19.69
of 0.85, this formula can be
expressed as: Approximate 10,582 13,228 14,991 19,841 23,148
Weight (Lb)
———
Q = 0.85 x πD2 x √ 2 gH
4
Versions
• Standard: maximum admissible operating pressure 328 foot water column
(145 psi) Higher pressure upon request
• Optional: stationary hood, venting equipment, other coatings
• Actuation: handwheel, electric, or hydraulic
• Other sizes and special designs available upon request
 Valve Selection Chart
To determine the discharge of any size Howell-Bunger® Valve, follow the horizontal line for a given head (net head at the
valve) to the point where it crosses the diagonal line representing valve size. From this point, follow the vertical line to the
bottom of the chart, and read the discharge cfs. The chart is specific to the traditional unhooded Howell-Bunger ® Valve
with a Cd of 0.85, and is not suitable for sizing or selecting a hooded Howell-Bunger® Valve.

Diameter of Valve in Inches

102"
118"
124"
120"
136"
2"
"

"

"
"
"
"

"

"

"

"
"
"
"
"
78"
84"
90"
96"
10"
10

12

14
16
18
20

24

30

36

42
48
54
60
66
72
6"

8"
500
400

300

200
Net Head in Feet

100
90
80
70
60
50
40

30

20

10

10000

20000
25000
1000

2000

3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
100

200

400
500
600
700
800
900
10

20

30
40
50
60
70
80
90

300

—
Discharge in C.F.S.=5.354 D 2√ H
D= Diameter in Feet H=Net Head in Feet

Valve Operation
Howell-Bunger® Valves are typically operated by a
manual, electric, or hydraulic actuator mounted above a
double bevel gearbox. The gearbox transmits torque to
the twin power screws (one on each side of valve) which
in turn engage bronze thrust nuts to open (retract) or
close (extend) the cylinder gate.
Howell-Bunger® – In open positions, flow is directed
outward around the deflector cone at a 45° angle
(approximate) in a wide spray pattern into the atmo-
sphere, dissipating remaining hydraulic energy without
erosion of the surrounding area.
Stationary hood – The wide spray pattern is redirected
in the hood to create a jet-like stream. This is often
helpful where the wide spray pattern of a Howell- One 40” Howell-Bunger® Valve with 96” closed stationary hood and
Bunger® Valve is objectionable or subject to freezing or venting device in Brändbach Dam, Germany.
ice build-up. Depending on the application, a venting
device may be required for cavitation-free operation.
Projects
Since 1935, over 500 Howell-Bunger® Valves have been installed in applications ranging from an 8” valve with 1400’
of head, to a 112” valve with 209’ of head. In settings throughout the world, Howell-Bunger® Valves have been the
valve of choice wherever the control of water flow under free discharge is needed. The photos below show a few of
our recent installations.

Rowallan Dam/Hydro, Tasmania, Australia—One Howell-Bunger® Asahan Dam, Indonesia—One Howell-Bunger® Valve (64”) with sta-
Valve (72”) with stationary hood and venting tionary hood and venting pipes handles max operating head of 976’

Pueblo Dam, Colorado, USA—One Howell-Bunger® Valve (60") with Salt River and Lower Bear Reservoirs, California, USA—Four Howell-
stationary hood and One Rotovalve® Cone Valve (60") Bunger® Valves, with stationary hoods (18", 24", 60", 78")

Hodinova Hydropower Station, Detva, Slovenia - One Howell-Bunger® Jozini Dam, South Africa - Three Howell-Bunger® Valves (72”), half-
Valve (78”) submerged discharge with head of 262’
Specifications
Discharge Valve
General: The fixed cone valve(s) will be of the Howell-Bunger®
type as suppplied by Rodney Hunt-Fontaine, Orange, Massachu-
setts. The valve will be __ inches in diameter and will be designed
to discharge __ cfs at __ feet of net head. The valve will be used
to control the free discharge of water into the atmosphere and will
be designed to operate at any position between fully open and
fully closed without damaging vibration.
Design: The construction of the valve(s) will be sufficiently rugged
and all parts will be designed for safe and satisfactory operation
within the specified operating conditions. Liberal factors of safety
will be used throughout, especially in the design of parts subject
to intermittent and/or alternating stresses.The walls and vanes
shall be designed using the guidelines presented in the report
“Vane Failures of Hollow-Cone Valves” by Albert G. Mercer.
Valve Body: The valve body will consist of a cylinder with a coni-
cal deflector head on the downstream end, internal radial ribs and
an upstream, mounting flange for attachment to a conduit liner or
penstock. The internal ribs and deflector head will extend beyond
the downstream end of the valve body a sufficient distance to
permit the rated discharge capacity. The sliding surfaces of the
valve body will be stainless steel. The mounting flange will be in
accordance with AWWA C207 Class “E”. The valve body inlet
flange, (body cylinder tube & internal ribs (vanes)) will be con-
structed of steel plate conforming to ASTM A572 Grade 50.
Valve Gate: The valve gate will consist of a cylinder designed to
slide over the valve body. The gate will slide upstream to open
and downstream to close off the valve ports. The upstream end
will be counter-bored to receive the body seal. The downstream
end will have a stainless steel seat machined to fully contact the
valve body seat, The Interior sliding surface of the gate will be
bronze ASTM C90800 and adjustable. The valve gate will be con-
structed of steel plate conforming to A240 Type 304L and A572
Grade 50.
Seals: The valve body shall have a removable seat attached to
the downstream end of the valve body held by a stainless steel
304L seating ring. The sealing contact surface of the seat shall
be stainless steel against primary rubber and secondary stain-
less steel. The downstream end of the gate shall have a remov-
able and exchangeable seat attached to the gate with bolts. The
sealing contact surface shall be stainless steel and machined to a
contour to provide a satisfactory hydraulic profile. The upstream
end of the gate shall be counter-bored to receive a Quad O-Ring
made of EPDM to seal between the stainless steel gate and the
outside of the valve body. The Quad O-Ring shall be retained by
a U shape gland and attached to the valve body. The valve shall
provide drip-tight closure.
Stationary Hood: A steel jet deflector hood will be bolted (or not
attached) to the valve body. The hood will reduce the discharge
spray by confining the exiting water jet. The hood will have several
radial and axial external rib enforcements. The venting system
shall be several openings of sufficient size to provide evenly
distributed aeration around the valve body when the hood is
bolted to the valve body. The design of the hood should prevent
backsplash and provide vibration-free operation. The hood will be
constructed of steel plate conforming to ASTM A572 Grade 50.
Operating System: Valve Operation will be by either a mech-
anical dual screw system or dual hydraulic cylinders.
The mechanical screw stem actuating system will consist of two
screw stem actuators mounted diametrically opposite and con-
nected to a miter gearbox. Interconnecting shafting shall be stain-
less steel and shall be connected by flexible couplings. Screw
stems shall be AISI type 420 stainless steel and drive nuts shall be
bronze.
If the hydraulic cylinders are used, the two cylinders shall be
mounted diametrically opposite. Hydraulic valve and plumbing
shall be arranged to provide synchronous operation of the two
hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders shall be of materials
and seals suitable for submergence. Piston rods shall be stain-
less steel and hard chrome plated. Piston seals shall be of the lip
seal type. Rods shall be equipped with rod scrapers.
Electric Motor Actuator: The electric motor actuator shall oper-
ate from __ volt, __ phase, __ hertz electric power. The electric
motor actuator shall be manufactured by Rotork, Auma, Limi-
torque, EIM, or approval equal.
The actuator will include: electric motor, gearing, limit switches,
torque switches, control transformer, reversing starter, overload
relays, “open” – “stop” – “close” push-button station, “open” and
“close” indicating lights, lockable “local” – “off” – “remote” selec-
tor switch, and auxiliary hand wheel. All electrical controls shall
be integrally mounted in a NEMA 4 enclosure mounted directly on
the valve actuator housing.
The motor shall be specifically designed for valve service, and
be of high torque, totally enclosed, non-ventilated construction.
The motor shall be of sufficient size to open and close the valve
against the maximum differential pressure when the voltage is 10
percent above or below the nominal voltage.
An auxiliary hand wheel shall be provided for manual operation.
The hand wheel shall not rotate during electric operation. The
maximum hand wheel effort shall not exceed 60 pounds.
Four sets of independently adjustable limit switches shall be
provided.
A mechanical dial position indicator shall be provided. A slide wire
type, 2-wire transmitter, 4 to 20 mA output potentiometer shall be
provided for remote valve position indication.
The motor and control compartments shall have heaters, if neces-
sary.
Shop Testing: The fully assembled valve shall be hydro-statically
tested at a pressure of 1.5 times the rated valve pressure for 30
minutes (no higher than 218 psi). There shall not be any evidence
leakage.
The fully assembled valve shall be leak tested at the rated pres-
sure for 5 minutes. The valve shall be drip-tight. The valve shall be
opened and closed three times using the actuating mechanism.
Painting: All unmachined portions of the valve shall be blast
cleaned per SSPC-SP 10 (near white) and shall receive two coats
of high solids epoxy paint. Provide valve preparation and coating
written QA and QC procedures as approved and endorsed by
an independent third party such as NACE, GSK, or SSPC. QA/
QC test procedures shall include photographic documentation to
communicate quality acceptance levels.
Protective Coating Testing: All valves shall be tested for coat-
ing thickness and porosity. Porosity shall be tested using the high
voltage spark method. Test shall be taken at all locations. Results
and validation shall be signed and dated.
Engineered Flow Control Products from Rodney Hunt

Gates Valves
®
• Channel Gates • Rotovalve Cone Valves
®
• Weir Gates • Howell-Bunger Valves
®
• Slide Gates • RIKO Plunger Valves
• Roller Gates • EKN® Butterfly Valves
• Bulkhead Gates
• Stop Logs
• Flap Gates

Actuation
Manual, electric, and hydraulic actuation systems are available.

Service
Rodney Hunt offers the very best in Aftermarket Services that include Field Inspection and Evaluation, Valve and
Gate Refurbishment and Repair, Supply and Replacement Parts, Control System Evaluation and Repair, Flow
Control Design Support, and a full range of in-house capabilities. Contact our experienced and dedicated team at
service-rhf@vag-group.com for all of your Aftermarket needs.

For more information about Rodney Hunt products or to contact a sales representative,
visit the Rodney Hunt website www.rodneyhunt.com.

In the United States

46 Mill Street • Orange, MA 01364 USA • 800-448-8860 • info-rhf@vag-group.com

In Canada
4699 Blvd Bourque • Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1N 2G6 • 819-823-3068

Rodney Hunt, Fontaine, and GA Industries are now the Valve and Gate Group. We will
continue to market our products under our heritage brands — but the breadth and depth
Better of our product offerings, technology options, and engineering capabilities have expanded
together™ exponentially.
Together, we provide the most comprehensive line of flow control solutions in the industry.
Learn more about us at www.vag-usa.com.

RH-HBV-0315